Hell is Other People

Well, on a plane it is. We asked etiquette expert Ann Marie Sabath how to politelybut effectively!deal with the worst kinds of seatmates

1. The Snorer When his sound effects become unbearable, cough, squirm, or even gently wake him. He'll usually stop. Or spare yourself the awkwardness by recruiting a flight attendant to wake him under the pretense of offering him a drink.

2. The Stinker The guy next to you smells like an onion bagel, and you're trapped six inches from his face. First option: If there are empty seats, ask a flight attendant if you can move. Second option: Get out your breath mints and offer one to your seatmate. He'll see you as a cordial flight companion.

3. The Leaner Space is a precious commodity on any flight. Rather than waiting until the person in front of you reclines his seat, be proactive: Nicely ask him to warn you before he leans back. By doing so, you create a pact between the two of youand you don't have to dread spilling your beverage on yourself.

4. The Immovable Force Plane Etiquette 101: Anyone who is seated on the aisle must allow his seatmates to get by. If he has yet to learn this, tactfully say, "When you have a minute, I'd like to get out." Do not say, "I'd like to get past you," since he might expect you to crawl over him.

5. The Talker Give your chatty neighbor a few minutes of small talk as you're settling into your seat. By offering him limited interactionand by not asking any questions in returnyou'll telegraph that you are not in a talkative mood. If he persists, focus on your reading material or close your eyes. The silent treatment almost always does the trick.

Sabath's One Minute Manners: Quick Solutions to the Most Awkward Situations You'll Ever Face at Work is out now (Broadway, $16).